I have had season tickets for the past 28 years and been following Junior hockey in Vernon for close to thirty five years. I've missed only three home games since 1998-99 season. For anyone who could not attend or watch tonight’s Vipers game here are my thoughts and views from tonight’s game. You may agree or disagree but we all have our own view and opinion on any game we watch. This is my opinion and my thoughts on how I saw tonight’s game. I try to be unbiased and give a fare recap on both sides. Thanks for stopping by & visiting my blog.
I was at tonight's Vipers-Vees game as Vernon & Penticton drew a 2-2 tie in front of 3,053 fans at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Starting Goaltenders:
Vernon: Ty Taylor
Penticton: Adam Scheel
Before tonight's game the Vees had a special video and moment of silence to honour the veterans on Remeberance Day.
1st Period: With the Vipers up 3-1 in shots early Ben King ripped a hard shot from the circle that beat Adam Scheel but not the post, as King comes within inches of opening the scoring. A minute later Brett Stapley stopped in close before Josh Prokop was denied twice in front before getting a third opportunity that rolled through the blue paint and out the other side, with the Snakes pressing. Vernon outshooting Penticton 6-2 at this point, just six minutes in. On the following play-shift the Vees would get the games first powerplay. With no real threat and late in the man advantage Dakota Boutin had Ty Taylor looking the other way, somehow missed wich looked like an open net at the top of the crease, as Boutin misses a quality chance and Vernon kills off the remainder of the minor. The Vees don't record a single shot on the PP. Just past the halfway mark, Ty Taylor makes his biggest stop of the period, stoning Grant Cruikshank in close on another quality chance. Shortly after the Vees jump on their second powerplay of the evening. Once again no real attack with the man advantage, but inside the final seconds Jonny Tychonick's shot from the blueline beat Ty Taylor before going off the far post, as Penticton comes very close to opening the scoring. The Vees with back to back powerplay's and not a single shot, as Vernon kills off the penalty. With just under five minutes remaining captain Jagger Williamson has Adam Scheel down and out, somehow fires high and over the goal, missing a wide open cage from the side of the net. A missed opportunity for the Snakes captain. Penticton would get their third man advantage just seconds later. The fans getting restless booing the hometown Vees on the powerplay. Just over a minute into the PK the Vees would take their first minor of the contest, sending both teams to four on four before the Snakes would get a late powerplay, their first of the night. The Vees would kill off the minor before Vernon would get a second opportunity on the PP with a minute to go. Inside the final minute, Brett Stapley with a nice move in close, before just missing the far corner. Back come the Vees on an odd man rush, Grant Cruikshank on the penalty kill with a quality chance, would be stopped by Ty Taylor. Penticton with an aggressive forecheck, had the Vipers reeling in their own end to end the opening frame. It was 0-0 after 20 minutes of play. The Snakes jumped ahead in shots early, were outshooting Penticton 6-2 just six minutes in, in a fairly evenly matched 1st period. Good pace and flow in a period where both teams battled, going back and fourth with some looks-opportunities at both ends of the rink. Both teams were very evenly matched. Vernon outshot Penticton 9-6.
2nd Period: The Vipers started the middle frame on the man advantage, that was carried over from the opening period. Off the opening draw Brett Stapley lead an odd man rush setup Jordan Sandhu going to the net, who was denied at the top of the blue paint by Vees starting goaltender Adam Scheel. The Snakes with good pressure couldn't capitalize on the PP didn't need long after the powerplay to open the scoring. Shortly after the minor expired Michael Ufberg's point shot beat Adam Scheel who got a piece of it but not enough as the puck found its way to the back of the net, giving Vernon an early 1-0 lead at 1:35 Jesse Lansdell & Brandon Whistle drew the helpers. Whistle's first point with the Vipers in just his second game. But seventy four seconds later the Vees would strike. Grant Cruikshank's wrister from the circle went high and over Vipers starting goaltender Ty Taylor's glove, tying the game 1-1 at 2:09 Dakota Boutin & Nicky Leivermann collected the assists. A huge push back from Penticton. This goal seemed to change momentum and give Penticton life. The Vees kept coming and coming strong. Penticton now carrying the better of the play, had Vernon on their heels at times. The Vees with several good looks had the better of the play in the first half. Ryan O'Connell took a puck to the face, looked to be ok and stay in the game. Niko Karamanis with a solo effort in close couldn't get one by Adam Scheel at the midway mark on a rare Viper opportunity. On the following play, a long dump in took a funny bounce off the end glass, before shooting out front hit Ty Taylor. Vernon catches a break, lucky not to have the puck bounce in and off Taylor into the back of the net. Two minutes later the Vees come very close to grabbing the lead. A quick shot off the faceoff beat Ty Taylor but went off the crossbar as Penticton hits their second post-crossbar of the game. The Vees having all the advantage, kept pushing. Two minutes later the Snakes sitting back, allow Nicky Leivermann to walk into the slot, ripped a high shot that forced Ty Taylor into just getting a piece of the puck with his arm-shoulder before the puck just went over the crossbar. About a minute and a half later Jack Finley "AP" the son of former NHLer and former Vernon Laker Jeff Finlay blasts home his first career BCHL goal after a wicked shot from the circle, that may have went off a body/stick in front. Penticton with a 2-1 lead at 15:36 Owen Sillinger drew the lone helper. No chance for Ty Taylor who had two bodies at the top of the crease, was screened all the way. The Snakes get a late powerplay to change the tide. The Vipers cant take advantage before the buzzer. It was 2-1 Penticton after 40 minutes of play. Vernon cant capitalize with a powerplay to start the period, open the scoring seconds after the minor expires get on the board first. This was one of a very select few bright spots for the Snakes were saw a lot of time in their own end. The Vees respond just over a minute later to tie the game, quickly pull away in full control of the period. Penticton with a ton of puck possession, carried most of the play. The Vees with a crossbar, had several looks-opportunities scored late to take a one goal lead into the 3rd. The Vees were the better of the two teams, held the edge in play for most of the frame. Vernon outshot Penticton 11-8.
3rd Period: Vernon started the final frame on the PP that was carried over from the 2nd. The Snakes unable to take advantage as the Vees killed off the minor. Just as the penalty expired a goal mouth scramble in front of Adam Scheel, with the puck loose no Viper was able to bang home the loose puck and Penticton clears the puck from harms way. The Vipers would jump on another early powerplay, but again cant capitalize with the man advantage. Shorthanded Penticton with another aggressive attack, had a few good looks on the penalty kill. The Vees able to kill off the remainder of the penalty. Less then three minutes later Vernon gets their third powerplay of the period. Once again another big penalty kill from the Vees. Just as the penalty expired, Jordan Sandhu outwaits Adam Scheel before going top shelf tying the game 2-2 at 9:17 Michael Ufberg and Brett Stapley pick up the assists. This goal gives Vernon life and changes momentum. The Snakes slowly start to take over the edge in play. The Vipers gaining confidence and momentum, begin to create/generate several good looks-opportunities in the second half. Brett Stapley was seen slowly making his way to the Viper bench in some discomfort. Stapley looked to be ok and stayed in the game. At one point during the period Viper trainer Tyrol Deeg was returning to the Viper bench after coming back from the Viper dressing room at one point during a stoppage in play. I didn't see a Viper leave the ice. So not too sure what that was about. The Snakes continued to press in the second half as now both teams were going back and fourth with some good chances at both ends of the rink. With about six-seven minutes remaining the Vipers setup a wide open Coleton Bilodeau high in the slot, was quick to get off a shot, went high and over the goal, on a missed opportunity. Inside the final two minutes Shane Kelly takes an undisciplined penalty, giving Penticton a powerplay to finish the game. The Vees moving the puck around, had some good looks-a few chances couldn't find the back of the net before the buzzer. It was tied 2-2 after 60 minutes of play. Vernon with three straight powerplays couldn't capitalize with the man advantage, was able to eventually tie the game five on five. The Vees looked good on the penalty kill, forced a few turnovers, resulting in opportunities at the other end of the rink. It seemed like the Vipers gained momentum after tying the game and had a slight edge in play in the second half. I thought Vernon had more puck possession at times. Penticton outshot Vernon 13-11.
Overtime: The Vees started overtime with the man advantage that was carried over from the 3rd period. On the PP Owen Sillinger looked to have the game on his stick, somehow missed a wide open cage, as the Vipers catch a huge sigh of relief. The Vees would take a penalty sending both teams to even strength before the Vipers would get a powerplay. Michael Ufberg with a big turnover allowed Grant Cruikshank and Owen Sillinger to break in on the two on one. Sillinger setup Cruikshank who was robbed by Ty Taylor who come across the blue paint to make a huge game saver pad save, keeping this game tied. The Vipers waisted a lot of time, moving the puck around, couldn't convert with the extra attacker. Jagger Williamson stole the puck at the blueline looked to have a breakaway with Chris Jandric joining the rush. Williamson setup Jandric while the two went crashing into the crease, flying into Adam Scheel who somehow managed to keep the puck out. Williamson and Jandric had two Vees chasing them down, didn't have the legs to break totally free. The Vees carried most of overtime, had some good looks, couldn't solve Ty Taylor who was solid. It was tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play. Penticton was the better team, had full control of the overtime. Ty Taylor kept his team in the game, making some big stops to force double overtime. Penticton outshot Vernon 4-0.
Double Overtime: For a second straight period it was all Vees. Penticton carried the balance of play, were all over the Snakes. Vernon back on their heels were caught standing around. Nicky Leivermann, Grant Cruikshank, Cassidy Bowes twice and Owen Sillinger all with fantastic chances, couldn't beat Ty Taylor. Taylor and the Vipers got lucky on at least three quick whistles, where the puck was still loose. The Vees moving the puck around, created/generated a ton of looks-chances through out the second overtime. Vernon with very little puck possession and zone time, escaped overtime for a second straight period, hung on for the 2-2 tie. It was all Penticton who was the better team in both overtimes. The Vees had several quality chances to win it, couldn't. Penticton outshot Vernon 5-2.
Top Player's: (Vernon)
Josh Prokop I thought played very well in the tie. Prokop who is coming on as of late, was skating hard, getting involved in the play, looked-played well.
Jordan Sandhu (1 goal) Had a solid night for the Snakes. Really using his speed/quickness opened up a lot of ice with his skill. Played-battled hard all night, was driving to the net, generating/creating plays through out the game. Turned over the puck-play on a few plays but overall was one of the more stronger Viper forwards.
The line of Floris Hunter, Ben King & Brandon Whistle (1 assist) I thought played well. The two newcomers (King & Hunter) played a regular shift for most of two periods before seeing very little to no ice time in the 3rd and overtime. King hit the post just over four minutes into the game, was finishing his checks, skating hard. I thought this line played hard-was physical at times.
Chris Jandric I thought was very strong on the backend. Joined the play at times, was good with and without the puck. Jandric has really played well this young season.
Ty Taylor (34 saves) Playing in back to back games/back to back overtime games Taylor was the difference in overtime. The second year Viper made some of his biggest stops of the evening in the two overtimes to give his team a chance to win. Was by far the best Viper late in the game. I have no idea why Taylor wasn't given a game star?
Game Thought's: (Vernon)
I thought the Vipers played hard-held their own against the Vees in the 1st and 3rd periods. It was the 2nd and overtime periods where the Snakes ran into trouble and were outplayed. Vernon missing five key-veteran players who were out of the lineup with injuries-playing at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, saw two newcomers make their Viper debuts. The Snakes missing speed, skill and that veteran leadership with the five players not playing tonight. The Vipers struggled with the powerplay, going 0-6 had three powerplays in the 3rd and one in overtime, had their chances to grab the lead or put the game away. I didn't think the Snakes had a ton of grade A chances through out the night. I thought the Vees had the better of the opportunities. These two teams are fairly evenly matched, playing in two ties and a one goal game in the three games they have faced each other. Tonight was Vernon's fourth game in eight days. Vernon wearing their third set jerseys tonight are now unbeaten in their last eight games (6 wins & 2 ties) (Season high). Since the 2011-12 regular season Vernon has just five wins at the South Okanagan Events Centre in their last 23 games going 5-13-3-3. Going back going back to the 2014-15 regular season the Vipers have lost ten of their last sixteen games to the Penticton Vees. Since the 2011-12 regular season the Vees have dominated the Vipers. Penticton has won thirty one of the last fourty four regular season meetings vs Vernon going 31-10-0-3. The Vees have won sixteen of the last twenty three regular season games over the Vipers. With the tie Vernon falls to 15-4-0-4 and 1st overall one point up on 2nd place Trail.
Top Player's: (Penticton)
Dakota Boutin (1 assist) I thought was very dangerous with the puck, was going to the net, created/generated several opportunities. Very shifty with and without the puck.
Jonny Tychonick I thought played well on the Vees blueline. This kid can skate, move the puck and really sees/reads the ice well.
Grant Cruikshank (1 goal) Was another forward who was dangerous with and without the puck. Was all over the rink tonight, generated-created a ton of chances.
Owen Sillinger (1 assist) Was also very strong in the tie. Another kid who had a heck of a game. Created/generated opportunities.
Cassidy Bowes seemed to play better-get stronger as the game went along. I didn't really notice him until the 3rd and overtime periods. Had several quality chances in both overtimes.
Adam Scheel (31 saves) Has played all three games vs the Vipers this season, played well between the pipes. I didn't think was as busy as Ty Taylor but made the big stops when called apon.
Game Thought's: (Penticton)
The Vees come into action tonight, having lost three straight. Their first three game losing streak since 2012. I didn't think Penticton looked like a team that had lost three straight. Ok they may have not had their powerplay clicking in that opening period but overall I thought the Vees played hard, battled and held their own against a strong Viper team, that has been playing some of if not their best hockey of the season. Give Penticton credit, they held the Snakes to two goals, a Vernon team that has been putting up four or five goals a night as of late. I also thought the Vees did a good job at shutting down Vernon's top line, even without Jimmy Lambert. I liked Penticton's speed, I thought they never quit skating, were strong on pucks, aggressive on the forecheck and played very well-aggressively on the penalty kill. I thought the Vees PK forced several turnovers, resulting in offensive opportunities. Both teams had their fare share of puck possession, zone time and opportunities. I thought the Vees were dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone, had a ton of good looks-chances. Penticton really pushed hard in both overtimes, looked hungry, were strong on the puck, carried the majority of play, had lots of time and space, either missed on some chances or were shutdown by Vernon's goaltender. The Vees will look back at a few missed opportunities, had a ton of grade a chances in overtime, as Penticton didn't seem to catch a break or bounce tonight. The Vees were strong-looked better in the 2nd and overtime periods, where as Vernon I thought held an edge in play in the 3rd. Penticton also playing with several key-veteran players out of the lineup. Some big names injured-away at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Give credit for guys stepping up in place of those kids. Overall this was a very entertaining/exciting hockey game in front of a large crowd. A crowd that was always engaged in the game-play, made lots of noise and made for a great atmosphere. The Vees improve to 1-0-0-2 vs the Vipers this season, will meet again tomorrow in Vernon in the back end of a home and home series. The Vees are now winless in four games. With the tie Penticton falls to 10-5-1-2 sit 5th in the Interior Division are one point up on Salmon Arm and two back of Wenatchee.
Scratches:
Vernon:
Sol Seibel (Injured)
Tanner Wishnowski (Injured)
Alex Swetlikoff (Playing at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge)
Keyvan Mokhtari (Injured)
Jimmy Lambert (Injured)
Penticton:
Luke Reid (Playing at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge)
Jackson Keane (Injured)
Massimo Rizzo (Playing at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge)
Chris Klack (Injured)
Energy Player of the Game:
Cassidy Bowes
Three Star's:
1st Star: Adam Scheel (31 saves)
2nd Star: Michael Ufberg (1 goal & 1 assist)
3rd Star: Grant Cruikshank (1 goal)
Boxscore-Game Summary,
http://bchl.ca/stats/game-summary/8027
Game Report,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/official-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8027
Text Boxscore,
https://lscluster.hockeytech.com/game_reports/text-game-report.php?lang_id=1&client_code=bchl&game_id=8027
No comments:
Post a Comment